How To Fix Floor Squeaks In Old Houses | THE HANDYMAN |

[@TheHandyman1]

thehandyman.store/ It is finally here. My store. There is a page of tools too. Tools and different designs will be added all the time.

[@robbright6343]

How is any one in 2019 still using Phillips head screws lol

[@TheHandyman1]

Its the american way.

[@rawlemic]

I would like to request Handyman coveralls.

[@Lincoln_Hawk]

@@SKANK_HUNT49 FYI. Not if you do it right.

[@conniepleasantnails]

Cool shirt. The floors look beautiful. When will we get to see more progress on this reno?

[@robj2704]

My house is 56 years old and it has oak floors. Several years ago I used "Counter-Snap" hardwood joist screws to fix the dozen or so squeaks. They have held up fine. They make two kits, one is for between-the-joist squeaks and the other is for at-the-joist squeaks. Figure out if your squeak is over a joist or somewhere in an area between the joists. They work. And, they aren't visible. Don't have to work in the basement or crawlspace. Just walk around the house, find a squeak and fix it.

[@markjones567]

I went down to my basement and have access to all my sub-floors and joists. I ran 2x2 pieces of wood along the joists and screwed them in. Helped with the sub-floor moving.

[@wjthehomebuilder]

I gotta glue up some 2x4's under my bed!

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

Stop jumping up & down on it.

[@TheHandyman1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wjthehomebuilder]

@@TheHandyman1 You ever watch Parks & Rec? I was Ron Swanson giggling when I wrote it!

[@Dawnie-bi6qu]

Lmfao

[@401Rob]

Don't waste your time, everyone in the house already knows what your really doing. 🤣

[@Aepek]

Just a little TIP (hope don’t mind): 5:10 If you cut a 5° - 10° bevel going away from you towards the sistered joist, & the top of bevel will “touch” the subfloor above; you’ll create a “gap/pocket” for the adhesive to all go into & help “connect” the material together.....making it little bit stronger (especially when add those “screws”) & more importantly.....less likely to squeak. This also helps the “glue” not to leak/squeeze out over time, from ppl walking above, 5:38 I so hope that all made sense, cuz it did in my head🤪 (for explaining, that is😂); & we use a similar method when installing stairs (bevel the riser & treads; so the adhesive has a place to go w/o oozing out, but also allows good adhesion). This also helps w/ using less fasteners in the face of the tread; meaning less filling later👍🏻 Cheers✌🏼

[@MMGJ10]

I like my creaky old hardwood floors. It makes me feel at home lol. Plus, if someone was walking through it I could hear them a mile away. Lol

[@williammills8953]

It is like an alarm system for intruders for me. Gives me time to grab my shotgun. Lol.

[@dominiquebrown2890]

@@williammills8953 lol

[@blmtrashjimmyisgay5507]

@@williammills8953 it could be a ghost

[@Badger1776]

Except for the guy in your home listening for you coming around the corner before he strikes!

[@KeithsTVHD1]

Lol😂

[@aarongoodchild5040]

Little tip for ya, have the screw drilled through timber block (for under floor), so you can just drill through without trying to hold block, position screw THEN drill in

[@therealkingsdaughter4626]

My house is brand new and I’m having this problem. I thought it would eventually go away but it hasn’t, it’s annoying and I’ve gotta find someone to do this. Great video

[@justins8004]

Interesting fact: The decking used for the subfloor on that house was first used to form the basement walls. The white/grey "runs" on the bottom of some of the decking boards is the cement that ran over.

[@MetalAsFork]

I always wondered why there was grey/white goop patches on my basement ceiling. I removed my stupid drop ceiling and now I'm vacuuming between the joists, and some of that stuff sprinkled into my eye... I washed it out but it sucked. Will wear goggles next time. Anywho... Thanks!

[@hkgonra]

Swap out those long Phillips screws for torx. (Said in a squeaky voice of course)

[@Sunnbuzz]

Was my thoughts exactly

[@gophersgirl]

Nooo, Robertson squarehead for the win!

[@francisgill1929]

thank you, have a question, what about the second floor where you can not get to, any suggestions thanks

[@robertpryor7225]

Ironically you're screwed. I put hundreds of screws in the subfloor on second floor, it's a little better, but still squeaks. Step on a squeaky spot and you hear the squeak in another room. I hate two story houses.

[@fiamond]

what length screws do you use for this job? and what type of adhesive?

[@MissBrri]

I used extra strength Liquid Nails to fix my squeaky stairs, I'm sure that will also work for floors.

[@sethdistelzweig1275]

Maybe this is already mentioned somewhere, but what do you do if your hardwoods are laid directly over the joists with no subfloor? I have a 100 yr. old+ house, and the floor boards are super thick, but there’s no subfloor. You can see the floor boards from the basement. How do you tackle those squeaks in that situation? Maybe a 2x4 glued and screwed directly and glue squeezed directly in the board gaps?

[@guitarsfl]

same method but without the two screws on either side of the joist I would guess. Just screw the 2x4 to the joist and glue above like he did.

[@BurnerAccount-du2ov]

The person who originally lived in your house is dead and never anticipated a guy named Seth to live in it

[@michaelsj8084]

For the first time ever, I might get some Merch!! The explanation as to what kind of nails and glue is awesome as always great content.

[@carolinaeric8500]

The floor looks awesome and it doesn’t squeak, what more could you want?

[@metal422life]

Lunch

[@JakobWilliamHedrichSikhMoor]

More squeak

[@namrednop]

I've got a split-level house that has 10 steps going downstairs and 3 steps to the upstairs where the bedrooms are that was built in 1965'. Almost all of the stair steps creak on both runs. Very annoying to say the least. The upstairs steps are hardwood covered with carpet, but the downstairs steps are just hardwood, no carpet. I don't have one of those nail guns like you showed, which would probably work well on the downstairs run? But the ones that are carpeted is a whole nother ball game. Any suggestions as to "How To" quieten these creaking, hardwood floor stair steps? Without having to put them all up, lol. Tks!

[@MetalAsFork]

Did you find a solution? Try those snapoff style of screws through the carpet, maybe?

[@Mike-gz4xn]

I drilled a screws from the bottom and split my wood floors... thanks! No more squeaks!

[@tamaragarcia9382]

Could u tell the size of the screw? IM lost here

[@CCallanan20]

😂😭

[@cjdig86]

I’m sorry, but this comment had me laughing for real 🤣😭

[@jackfrost969]

@@tamaragarcia9382 👍

[@raymondpeay3843]

😂😂😂

[@fiver-hoo]

how about expanding poly glue? really get deep in those little crevices

[@chrismoore9997]

You could use 2x4 ripped in half (2x2) because it is just there for the gluing surface. The glue is what cures the squeak.

[@NongNongHead]

I was thinking you’d have Handy Andy upstairs squeaking while you were in the basement pinpointing. I had to eliminate some squeaking on 2nd story with those break away screws (through old asbestos tile) prior to carpet... worked good. I used a few on first floor hard wood prior to re-finishing along with shims and screws from bottom up... i still have a nasty one that i will try your way on. Thanks H.M. !

[@fununclenerfs]

The Handyman is finally getting serious about retiring at 50 so he's selling that merch!

[@boardride]

I had an addition added to the house last year, and even though I asked for screws, the framer swore I would never gets squeeks with the amount of subfloor adhesive and nails he used. Guess what... One year later, TONS of squeeks. Bummer, but the good news is this video exists!

[@vic_2a275]

So glad I came across this video!! I’ve been trying to find a way to get rid off a massive squeak I have outside my bedroom door. Thank you sir!!!

[@brianj609]

Pocket screws and holes from the joist into floor works well. Great vid.

[@LibbyThomas]

Great video, thanks! I live in a 1930s apartment with a VERY squeaky bedroom floor. But I have neighbors below me and no access to beneath the floorboards. Should I try those “snap off” screws?

[@inthefade]

I'm looking to fix the flooring in an office space that is being used as a recording studio. The sound is VERY annoying obviously. But I have the same problem: no access from underneath.

[@freechoice4646]

what kind of Screws did you use on the underside drilling up through the sub floor ? Love your video's bro have Learned a lot

[@meteoriter1647]

@ The Handyman, very smart details and repair, bravo! I didn't quite expect to put a 2x4 adjacent to the joist, but you originated it first. Quite an intelligent repair! Thank you for a repair detail to be trusted. Finally learned something that makes sense. In sharp contrast to some ridiculous suggestions such as in 'driving screws through carpets' by some others.

[@thedude5295]

Hate the fact that I'm going to have to tear out the ceilings in my basement, but glad to know that I can do something about all the squeaking in this house before I sell it. Thanks bro. Subbed.

[@carlosalmanzar2775]

He said you can use a framing nailer with glue nails

[@fettyguapo]

No fuckin way! Lol I JUsT bought a house that was built in 1937 about 2 weeks ago and I’ve been looking for solutions for this! Thanks handyman

[@rockerpat1085]

I bought a house last year that was built in the late 20s early 1930s!!! Mine has no sub floor!!! Just straight hardwood floors over the joists!!! You can check it out on my channel if you like!!! Keep Rocking it out!!!

[@fettyguapo]

Rocker Pat gonna check that out right now

[@rustyshackelford3082]

I used a dealt 16cauge finish nail gun for years to install plantation shutters and my #1 concern was are younsure that will hold and that was one of my made up bshiterys I would tell the home owner my nails are also coated with glue. Of course they weren't but they didnt know that coating I believe is so they dont rust waiting to be bought in humid environments

[@myrsve]

How do you figure how long the screw that you used in the beginning should be

[@MrRadBee]

answer ?

[@blaiset.5552]

I like this solution instead of spending money on the kit sold to fix squeaky floors. But I can’t do this for my second floor. Great video!👍

[@Smarglenargle]

yeah but what do i do if my crappy house seals the joists with ceiling. I can't see the beams, I sent some screws into the floor and it still squeaks on the spot, im losing my mind.

[@tylerarmstrong239]

Ive done this many times myself. Once a home I was at had nails blackout through the carpet. I strongly recommend that screws are used for subfloor decking along with glue.

[@bradleycarroll6605]

The fact you mentioned me being a weird fan boy buying a KZbinrs clothing is VERRY true on many other you tubers but who the hell doesn’t want to represent a man that can do ANYTHING!? Sign me up to the fan boy club love your vids 👍🏼

[@TheHandyman1]

👍🍺

[@kitchenmedic2030]

I find that if you tap a wedge between the floor and the joist, you can then squeeze in all the adhesive and pull the wedge out.

[@normacoradin252]

I have an old house with floor like that and need to be repair. How to get help?

[@sgoldste02]

But what if the squeak you're trying to fix is on the 2nd floor, preventing you access to the floor joists from below?

[@ElPepperoni]

Yeah that is a very weird assumption that you will have access from underneath… hello, every 2 story home with hardwood floors on the 2nd story…

[@DaGormz]

So I've got a finished basement. Any insight on how I might fix some squeaks without cutting out the ceiling?

[@unibeamx20a31]

use the break away deck screws. you would do this from the top of where the hardwood floor is and not beneath. fill the holes with the color matched crayon putty.

[@anjin1982]

You should put the tools around the shirt waist level to "mimic" a tool belt with a the handyman nametag style

[@joepierce5357]

Have you tried squeeeeek no more? It’s a screw system that the head of the screw brakes off 1/5 of an inch below the surface of the floor. It works on carpeted floors and hardwoods

[@TheHandyman1]

I have used them.

[@joepierce5357]

The Handyman are the nails better? Just curious if I need to get a new toy... I mean tool or not lol

[@TheHandyman1]

The screws work If you don't have access under the floor like on a 2 story home.

[@arceliaherrera663]

I never understood the screw breaking under your floor lol…

[@Albert-bo7rr]

Years ago i worked for a handyman service named "Husband for rent" which was boldly printed on gray polo shirts. Never knew what to expect wearing that thing either a laugh or an inquiry to as where I bought it. Oh, and then there were the propositions... Yep, them ladies can get pretty frisky at lunch time and happy hour

[@sootheme7218]

I’m doing this next month! What exact screws are those? Need to know which kind to pickup in store.

[@djboomdang]

Did you end up doing this project? What kind of screws did you use? Doing this as well lol

[@c50ge]

You could also measure from your floor repair My Dad would not fix the squeak in the hallway so we couldn’t sneak in late! My wife would leave their bedroom lights on so she could tell if the Boys made it home (lights out)

[@farukatasever2933]

One of best talented problem solver master tradesman. BRAVO.

[@spreklfreks]

Wicked awesome merch! Definitely going to grab some! In regards to the squeaky flooring: say the squeak is a second floor wear the framing joists are visible from the first floor and the 2x4 couldn't be used. Would you increase the gap between the joist and subflooring to apply glue or is there a different method you'd use?

[@kellykai4068]

How do you handle for the second floor?

[@jack-a-lopejoe106]

I have hardwood on concrete slab...how do I fix the squeaks?

[@feralbeliever4248]

$$$ Handyman $$$ has $$$ got $$$ the $$$ fever! $$$

[@williammills8953]

Yes. Sugar coated nails. Green in color. Use them for framing, roofing, sub floors, decks, but now most use deck screws.

[@michaelkraft6018]

Ignores those of us who have the squeaks in our hardwood where the ceiling below is finished. Now what do I do?

[@phillipsoucy]

But actually! Basement has ceiling plastered - old school fire code? Anyway, total pain, can't access any of the subfloor. I tried the breakaway screws and they work alright if the floors are old and already have some patchwork done on them. Just pick up some filler to fill the holes. Give them a try.

[@HowRJ]

search squeak no more.........on youtube.......and you'll find the answer.....

[@RobertVosburg]

I have one in the bedroom's floor ( second floor). How would I know what length screw to use on each side of the joist for the sub floor? This is my first year as a home owner and I don't have a clue with remodeling a house and this video will come in handy.

[@wkobayashim]

How thick is the subfloor? And how thick is the oak flooring?

[@TamGreat]

Wow, that was pretty easy! I thought it was going to be more complex.

[@idicalidical5343]

For a precision locator that's visible when down under the floor, I drill an 18" piece of flexible music wire through the floor at a wall to floor junction. Baseboard covers the tiny hole. I'll probably buy a t-shirt even though you don't have an AK on there.

[@TheDesertRat31]

I have a squeeky floor "kit" I got from home Depot that has some special drill guides and break away screws designed for use on carpeted floors or hardwood. I saw the "this old house" guys use it. For the wood floors, the screw breaks away below the surface and then you fill with color matched putty, like the minwax stuff. Doesn't securing the squeeky that way, or like you did here interfere with the floor's ability to move with humidity? Or is it that the few places one ought to have to repair not significantly impact the overall floor system or it's just securing the subfloor?

[@lebronjameslol3521]

wow fancy stuff. I have squeeks but dont have plank flooring under. This still might work.

[@isadean]

What's the option for when there's no access underneath? We tried to fix the issues before we finished the basement with shims but my entire 1200 sq ft of floor is crazy squeaky!

[@anthonybarrasso3638]

Hi handyman, I need the info on your green jacket? You are the man!!

[@yoerihollebosch1382]

Do you know a method to stop the squeaks if you cant go under your floor? My floor squeaks allot but i only have acces from above.

[@preidol2003]

What size are the screws that go onto the subfloor?

[@alek2049]

Watching your bit jump. Robinson square bit and screws would make your life so much easier.

[@ItsAdventureTime1]

Shameless Capitalist, and I love it! What about all those slab on grade houses in FLA and TX?

[@HeyLookWhatICanDo]

The squeak is the least troublesome part of that room 😬 Great solution though 🙌🏼

[@ceecee7879]

Waiting for “link in the description” and #1homeimprovementyoutubechannelintheworld shirts!

[@e.l.norton]

I'm in a 100 year old apartment building with original wood floors with no access from beneath because of the apartment beneath me. Love the floors. The squeaks drive me nuts.

[@DStabs720]

I'm sure the people below you hate them haha

[@rtkevans]

If not a basement, many houses have crawlspaces. However, older homes have crawl spaces that you can barely even crawl in. I'm talking 24" at most from soil to subfloor. Reparing squeaks needs to be done from the top side of the floor with deckscrews in these cases.

[@robbysalz8710]

A deck screw into the joist from above seems like a much more elegant solution compared to 6 screws, a glop of glue and a random bit of wood from underneath. Especially when trying to fix dozens of squeaks throughout a home.

[@sku32956]

Hardwood floors close to the ground will buckle from dampness from the ground .

[@nathanw4748]

Excellent video been looking for the answers to my questions for a while now but you answered them. Thank you very much

[@nelofernandez1459]

Hey handyman, could you do t shirts with the logo on the back like you have on the sweatshirt. i would sure buy some Dark grey ones. Cheers

[@TheHandyman1]

yes

[@granthope6521]

Used square drive screws for no slip on drill driver

[@SpecialistScorch]

I love how as soon as stuff started getting in his way (off camera) he started talking shit about it and censored himself. Reminds me of me on a job lol

[@fyrfox2000]

What type screws did you use for the sun flooring. Doesn’t show in link. Help?!

[@wolfhowl5691]

Well, this is just a quick fix, we rent so not doing any long term fixes... I heard once long time ago to sprinkle talcum powder onto squeaky boards & work it into the cracks between boards. ... Your thoughts?

[@Mikey62866]

Only the caulk gun shirt available at your store? I want the sqw blade one... thanks

[@haydenuk02]

Awesome work keep it up thanks for the informative content and how to fix this problem

[@cgolden2640]

Hardwoods on slab are common in some places. They rest upon a 3/4” to 1” plywood laid over the slab. When done correctly they are laid with a lot of glue, not to prevent squeaks, but as a moisture barrier. Same as if you glue down manufactured hardwood to a slab, main point there is moisture control.

[@jaceandjace1171]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, like I’ve put hardwood on and over Crete tons of times, you can put sleepers down as well. Made me cringe watching him shoot that screw up to the underside of that floor.

[@cgolden2640]

Jace And Jace I’ve seen some houses, 2 story base on slab, where you shoot the screw from top down thru hardwood, talk about cringeworthy

[@jaceandjace1171]

C Golden damn is straight punch whoever did that. I’ve seen people top nail with brads along the bevel. I’ve heard of people dust baby powder to help the board move along each other, but never been brave enough to try that myself.

[@abel1955]

What size nails did you use to attach the 2x4 also does it have to be that, I think in Menards they only sell 1x4

[@kirkfranks1]

Got a fix for second floor squeaks. I don't want to tear out the lath and plaster ceilings on the first floor. Also for some reason on our house the second floor does not have sub-flooring. Just tongue and groove right to the joists.

[@DennisMathias]

Hye, Handyman. Have you ever heard of Squeeeeek No More . It's a system for squeeky floors. Wonder what ou think of them.

[@jakejones5991]

Been here a long time handyman. You can bet that I’m a get a shirt! You need some custom beer mugs for the late night crowd.

[@jtjohnny1021]

Need a video where there's no access below. Typical in NYC

[@80sDweeb]

I'm in Arizona, and we've got hardwood right on the slab. No way to access but by pulling up the flooring, I guess.

[@xcmskim4]

Ever tried using "Squeak No More" Screws? Recommend them? I believe it was shown on an episode of this old house

[@TheHandyman1]

I have used them but it was a long time ago. A lot of people have good luck with those kits.

[@susanjspaulding]

*LOVE the squeaky floor dance* !!!!!! *Double WOW* !!!!! *AND The Handyman Merch is HERE* !!!!!! *HAPPY* !!!! #TheHandyman

[@melberber79]

What if the floor is on the second floor and there's no crawl space, or access to the base floor?

[@klmbuilders5385]

What's the link for your fireside chats? Well, actually business chats from your shop! I really enjoy those!

[@griffinpowers7448]

You added some sort of filter to the video, cause your skin is looking fresh AF. Please Handyman, share your skin care routine with us.

[@TheHandyman1]

LOL. I look like a cartoon.. I must have messed with the camera settings. I hope to have it figured out by the next video. Thank you for the hilarious comment.

[@Brian-dj3ru]

Awesome ..but I'm curious about how to fix a squeak that's on the second floor?

[@kfrdubber]

Do you have a fix for stairs where you do not have access to the back side?

[@TheFatherTheSonHolySpirit]

What kind of glue you use?

[@tommyj7087]

Our squeaks are on the second floor. Any tips for that?

[@tspfull]

I came here to the comments to find the answer to this question.

[@Brokoro]

Is this method still possible on houses with finished basements?

[@tgcrissy7327]

I see dog bowls on the floor,are the dogs wearing sock booties like you? As always nice job🤔

[@lockwooddave]

"You need to do more around here!" Said the handyman's wife...never!

[@metal422life]

You should really use T25 for your Tama hard to strip out and you always got a good grab but I'm sure you know that. I have a hatred of Phillips head and flat head screws. Just be sure to spend about $10 on one T25 driver bit it will last almost forever.

[@godbless1226]

What screws did you use to tie the subfloor to the wood floors?

[@cdelliodellio6011]

My house is 2yrs old.. BRAND NEW house and ALL the floors squeak. Please somebody help. What can I do??

[@Sjtoolsie]

Tools on the back with logo on front chest would look great

[@sheilaeish]

Nice video Handyman. The shirt put the tools on the back in a circle and put the logo on the front it will look better but good idea. Your killin it!!!!!

[@kstelzer1010]

I am interested in learning, too. TY